Coin-operated release mechanism



y 25, 1965 H. c. KOVAR COIN-OPERATED RELEASE MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 16. 1963 A! aways AOMQ w; M

BY o 4%- A ORNEYS H. C. KOVAR May 25, 1965 COIN-OPERATED RELEASE MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 16, 1963 INVENTOR. Af/V) 04401125 1 01/46 A ORNEYS May 25, c K A COIN-OPERATED RELEASE MECHANISM Filed April 16, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I INVENTOR. fi/Vl (374491219 X QK4F A TTORNE YS May 25, 1965 H. c. KOVAR COIN-OPERATED RELEASE MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 16, 1963 INVENTOR. bA 'l Midi/0114A United States Patent M 3,135,232 com-creamer RELEASE MECHANISM Henry Charles Kovar, Anetta, Minn, assignor to The Corneiius Company, Anoha, Mirna, a corporation of Minnesota Filed Apr. 16, 1963, Ser. No. 273,437 12 Claims. (ill. 19461) This invention relates generally to coin-operated release mechanisms, a-nd more specifically to such a mechanism which may be rendered responsive to a variable number of coins of various denominations.

Although the principles of the present invention may be included in various coin-operated release mechanisms, a particularly useful application is made in a release mechanism of the type that is adapted to be rotated or rocked to a predetermined angle to effect release of the coin-controlled apparatus or device, and which may be rocked a somewhat smaller angle to a point of arrest in the absence of the requisite number of coins.

Such coin-operated release mechanisms have been previously provided to operate on a single coin. Since prices have increased, or since more expensive items were to be vended, such prior mechanisms were readily structurally sizd differently to accommodate a higher value coin. When a plurality of coins was required, it was suggested that a like plurality of coin mechanisms be ganged together. However, it is evident that to cope with either of these types of changes, it became necessary to substitute or to add an entire coin mechanism where a larger denomination of coin or where a larger number of coins was to be used for control.

The present invention is directed to a single coin-operated release mechanism which is so constructed that the number or size of coins required to effect release may be varied without substitution of such coin mechanism, or without increasing or decreasing the number of coin-operated release mechanisms. In its preferred form, the present invention further provides for the release to be effected by either of two diiierent combinations of coins having like value, the total number and value of each of such combinations being variable so that, within the limits of the structure, the coin-operated release mechanism may be reset to require an increase or a decrease of coin quantity and value.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved coin-operated release mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated release mechanism which responds to a plurality of coins.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated release mechanism which responds to two different requisite number of coins of the same value.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated release mechanism which is so constructed that the requisite number of coins may be increased or decreased by what is in effect an adjustment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated release mechanism which is operated by either of two diilerent pluralities of coins.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a coin-operated release mechanism which may be operated by either of two difierent pluralities of coins, and which may be in efiect reset or readjusted to be responsive to a different requisite number of coins.

Many other advantages, features and additional objects of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and to the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment in- 3,185,282 Patented May 25, 1965 corporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

On the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a coin-operated release mechanism provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the release mechanism of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a coin acceptor which is shown in the release mechanism assembly in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIGURE 2, and shown in a normal position;

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional View taken along line VV of FIGURE 2, and showing the parts in a normal position;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIVI of FIGURE 2 and showing the parts in a normal position;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 5, and showing the release mechanism in a locked position in the absence of any coin;

FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 5, showing the parts in a locked position when less than the requisite number of coins are present;

FIGURE 9 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 4, showing the parts in a difierent locked position when less than the requisite number of coins are present;

FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 4, showing the parts in an unlocked position when a requisite number of coins is present;

FIGURE 11 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 4, showing the parts in an unlocked position when a difierent number or combination of requisite coins is present;

FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 10, just before release of the coin;

FIGURE 13 is a view corresponding to FIGURE 1, after the same has been rocked further after coin release;

FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIGURE 4, showing the coin-operated release mechanism adjusted to operate on a smaller number of coins; and

FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional View corresponding to FIGURE 4, showing the coin-operated release mechanism adjusted to operate on a still smaller number of coins.

As shown on the drawings:

The principles of this invention are particularly useful when embodied in a coin-operated release mechanism, or release mechanism assembly such as illustrated in FIG- URE 1, generally indicated by the numeral 20. The release mechanism Ztl includes a frame 21, a coin acceptor 22 rotatably mounted on the frame 21, a first lockpawl 23 pivotally supported on the frame 21, a second lock-pawl 24 pivotally supported on the first lock-pawl 23, and a removable insert 25 or 26 (FIGURES 14 and 15) removably secured to the coin acceptor 22.

The release mechanism 20 is suitably enclosed by the frame 21, portions of which are omitted, and the frame 21 further supports and encloses other related coin mechanisms such as a coin reiector (not shown), and a coin-return mechanism (not shown). A coin drawer (not shown) is disposed beneath the release mechanism 26. In the operation of the coin-controlled device, a coin or group of coins is inserted in an appropriate slot (not shown), such coins being tested and sorted by a reiector mechanism which directs the approved coins to the release mechanism 29, which receives them by gravity from above.

The frame 21 includes a housing portion 27 on the inside of which there is supported and secured a bracket 28 having a front flange 29 and a rear flange 30. The acceptor 22 is pivotally supported on the rear flange 30 and the housing 27. To this end, the acceptor 22 has an axial opening, one end of which has a non-circular recess within which a noncircular head 31 of a shaft is received. The shaft 32 extends through the rear flange 3t) and the housing 27, and to the rear end of the shaft 32, there is corotatably secured a lever arm 33 which forms a part of the linkage connecting the coin-operated release mechanism 29 to the device to be controlled. A torsion spring 34 acts between the rear flange 30 and the acceptor 22 to bias the acceptor 22 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIGURE 1, further clockwise movement beingprevented by means (not shown) connected to the lever 33. The lever 33 may thus provide the means'by which the acceptor 22 is rocked against the force of the torsion spring 34, and by which it is allowed to return aided by the force from the spring 34. It is to be understood however, that where the acceptor 22 is directly driven, the lever 33 may be driven thereby.

The acceptor 22 receives coins which drop under the influence of gravity, which has been approved and sorted by the rejector, and to this end, the acceptor 22 is provided with a slot 35 (FIGURE 3) to receive a plurality of coins of one size, such as S-cent pieces. The acceptor 22 has a second peripheral slot 36 which receives at least one coin, the slot 36 here being sized to accommodate a 10-cent piece.

The peripheral slot 35, as best seen in FIGURE 4, is therefore open at the upper end and has a lower portion 37 which receives and supports a first coin, an intermediate portion 38 which receives and with the first coin supports a second coin, and a third portion 39 which receives and supports with the second coin a third coin.

The second peripheral slot 36 is best seen in FIGURE and has a portion 40 which receives and supports, in this embodiment, one coin.

The coin acceptor 22 includes means which defines a pair of lock-notches 41, 42 (FIGURE 6), the locknotch 42 being angularly spaced in this embodiment from the position of the lock-notch 41.

While the coins and the inserts 25, 26 serve as cams, the acceptor 22 is provided with two further cams 43, 44, best seen respectively in FIGURES 5 and 1, both of which act against the lock-pawl 24. The cam 43 acts to deflect the lock-pawl 24 to deflect it away from the main portion of the acceptor 22 or slot-defining means to enable the coins to be released or to drop therefrom. The cam 44 acts similarly at a later moment to produce further deflection of the lock-pawl 24 to enable coins to go around the outer edge of the insert 25 or the insert 26.

The first lock-pawl 23 is pivotally supported on the frame 21, and more particularly is pivotally supported by a pin 45 which extends through the front and rear flanges 29, 30. The lock-pawl 23 is pivotally biased in a counterclockwise direction by a spring 46 carried on the pin 45 and retained thereon by a snap ring 47. To this end, as best seen in FIGURE 1, the spring 46 acts between the frame and the lock-pawl 23 to provide such bias. The lock-pawl 23 comprises a pair of arms 48, 49 integrally joined together by a web portion 50. Remotely from the pin 45, the lock-pawl 23 is provided with a first follower portion 51 in the form of a pin which extends through thearms 48, 49. The follower portion or pin 51 is thus biased against the periphery of the acceptor 22 and is receivable in the lock-notch 41 in the absence of any coin in either of the positions 39, 46 to arrest initial rotation of the acceptor 22 in a counterclockwise directionas drawn. The pin or follower portion 51 is alternatively engageable with and cammed by any coin in the position 39 or in the position 40, such camming directing the pin 51 upwardly so that it clears the means which define the notch 41 to enable continued counterclockwise rotation of the acceptor 22.

The lock-pawl 23 further includes a portion which serves as a coin stop 52, best seen in FIGURE/1 as being integral with the arm 48. As best seen in FIGURE 2, the coin stop 52 extends transversely to the arm 48 so as to span the coin slot 35, and as to terminate short of the cam or cam surface 43. As best seen in FIGURE 4, the coin stop 52 acts to retain a coin in the position 38, the stop 52 normally being spaced from such coin. Any coin striking the coin stop 52 bounces back against the acceptor falling to the position 37 or to rest in the position 38 if a previously deposited coin is in the position 37.

The second lock-pawl includes a pair of arms 53, 54 integrally joined together by a web 55. The lock-pawl 24 is pivotally supported by its arms 53, 54 on the other lock-pawl 23 a t a point remote from the pivotal sup- 7 port 45 thereof, and more particularly, the arms 53, 54

are pivotally supported on the follower portion or pin 51. A spring 56 is carried on the pin 51, is retained thereon by a snap spring 57, and acts between the lock-pawls 23 and 24 to bias the lock-pawl 24 in a counterclockwise direction against the periphery of the acceptor 22. A further snap ring 57 may be provided on the other end of the pin 51 if desired.

The arms 53 and 54 of the lock-pawl 24 support a second follower portion or pin 58, the pin 58 being pressed into openings in the arms 53, 54 in this embodiment. By the action of the spring 56, the follower portion 58 is biased toward the periphery of the acceptor 22 and is re ceivable in the lock-notch 42 in the absence of a requisite coin. Alternatively, the follower portion or pin 58 is engageable with and cammed by a requisite coin so that it clears the means which defines the notch 42 to enable continued counterclockwise rotation of the acceptor 22.

As best seen in FIGURE 1, the arm 53 includes an integral portion 59 which is a cam-follower engaged and driven by the cam 44.

The lock-pawl 24 includes a coin deflector 60 which is integral with the web portion thereof and which extends beneath the acceptor 22 to'direct coins dropping from the slots 35, 36. If desired, the coin deflector may also be employed to control the release of such coins. The coins directed thereby are directed to the right as shown in FIGURE 1 for reception in a coin drawer (not shown) received in a coin drawer compartment 61.

Referring to FIGURE 14, the removable coin-simulating insert 25 is disposed in the coin slot 35, and occupies the position 37 normally taken by the first coin in such slot 35. By adding such an insert 25, the effective length of the slot 35 is shortened, and conversely, by removing such an insert 25, the effective length of the slot 35 is increased. In either event, the length of the slot, and

hence the presence or absence of the insert 25, determines the requisite number of coins for the slot 35. Although the insert 25 is fixedly disposed, it is removably fixedly retained therein by a screw 62. The insert 25 has a periphery 63 which is engaged by the follower 58, the periphery 63 serving as a cam to guide the follower 58 out of possible engagement with the lock-notch 42. The upper surface 64 of the insert 25 coacts with the position 38 thereof to provide a means for supporting a coin in such slot 35.. Such coin is held in that position 38 by the coin stop 52 as described before.

In FIGURE 15, the insert 25 has been replaced by the insert 26 which occupies both the position 37 and the position 38 to aid in defining the position 39 for a single coin. The upper end 66 of the insert 26 provides this function, while a lower surface 67 serves as a cam to deflect the follower portion or pin 58 clear of and out of the lower lock-notch. 42.

The acceptor 22 further includes an integral coin-holding portion 68 for holding any excess coin during actuation of the release mechanism.

In this embodiment, the acceptor 22 comprises a unitary molded plastic part.

The frame 21 includes a member 69 shown in FIG- URE 1 which is slotted, and through which the coin deflector 60 projects, and into which the acceptor 22 may rock.

The operation of the release mechanism 20 is illustrated in FIGURES 6-13 under varying conditions and in varying positions. When an attempt is made to operate the controlled device with no coin present in the release mechanism, the release mechanism will function as shown in FIGURE 7. Counterclockwise movement of the acceptor 22 enables the follower 51 to ride down a portion 70 of the cam 4-3 into en agement with the locknotch 41. The means that defines the slots 35 and 36, as best seen in FIGURES 4 and 5, is undercut in a manner corresponding to the slope 7% so as to enable reception of the follower portion 51 in the lock-notch 41 in the absence of a coin in the position 39 and the position 40.

If an insufficient number of coins has been deposited in the release mechanism 29 the mechanism 20 will operate as shown in FIGURES 8 and 9. FIGURE 8 represents the condition where one coin has been deposited in the slot 36 and is restin in the position 49, such coin being indicated at 72. Here the follower 51 will engage the periphery of the coin 72 and be thereby deflected upwardly so as to clear the lock-notch 41. Such movement pivots the lock-pawl 23 in a clockwise direction about the pin 45, and the upward movement of the follower portion or pin 51 raises the follower portion or pin 58. The follower portion 58 is normally held well away from the lock-notch 42 by means of a projection or cam surface 73 (see FIGURE 4). Since the follower portion 53 is thus raised by the coin 72, it moves radially inward on the slope 73 into engagement with the lock-notch 42 as shown in FIGURE 8 to arrest the initial movement of the acceptor 22. As shown in FIGURE 9, if one or two coins have been inserted in the slot 35 at the position 37 or positions 37 and 38, such coins will have no effect on the cam follower 51 which nevertheless will be received in the lock-notch 41 as described for FIGURE 7. Although the coin 74- will hold the follower portion 58 out of the lock-notch 42, further rotation will nevertheless be precluded due to the absence of a coin at the position 39.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a condition where a requisite plurality of coins has been deposited in the acceptor 22. A coin 72 is present at the position ill, and a coin 74 is present at the position 37. The coin 72 cams the follower portion 51 upwardly to clear the lock-notch 41, thereby also et ecting raising of the follower portion 58. However, the other coin 74 engages the follower portion 53 to cam it clear of the lock-notch 42, thereby enabling or permitting further counterclockwise rotation of the acceptor 22.

In FIGURE 11, three coins 74 of like size are respectively disposed in the positions 37, 38, and 39. In response to counterclockwise rotation of the acceptor 22, the uppermost coin 74-, the one in the position 39, will cam the follower portion 51 upwardly so that it clears the lock-notch 41 as shown. This movement raises the other follower portion '8 which is simultaneously camrnedby the lowermost coin 74 in the position 37, camming it clear of the lock-notch 42. It is understood that the middle coin 74- is thus holding and aiding in the support of the uppermost coin 74.

Referring to FIGURE 12, as the rotation of the =accep tor 22 continues in a counterclockwise direction, a nonslotted portion 75 pushes upwardly and earns upwardly any further coins which may be in position above the acceptor 22. The surface 75 is'extended into the coin supporting portion 8 to retain such excess of coins above the acceptor 22. As the counter-clockwise rotation of the acceptor 22 continues the coin 72, (or uppermost coin 74 of FIG. 11), holds the follower portion or pin 51 in an elevated position while the lowermost coin 74 moves away from the lower follower portion 58 after having deposited it against the cam 43. The cam 43 then acts against the follower portion 58 to deflect it in a clockwise direction 6 away from the coin 74, thereby enabling the coin deflector 60 to release and direct the coins as they drop.

As the counterclockwise movement continues, as seen in FIGURE 13, the cam surface 44 comes into engagement with the follower portion 59 to further increase the amount of clockwise pivoting of the lock-pawl 24 with respect to the lock-pawl 23 about the aris of the follower pin 51. This further movement is particularly advantageous when, as shown in FIGURES 14. and 15, one of the inserts 25, 26 is employed, thereby insuring that the coin deflector 6%) is pivoted sufficiently, namely to a coinreleasing position.

With neither of the inserts 25, 26 present, the release mechanism will be actuated by three coins in the slot 35, or will be actuated by one coin in the slot 35 and one coin in the slot 36, such coins preferably having the same total value. When it is desired to enable operation of the device for a smaller price, such as when the device is first installed, and in anticipation of inflation, the insert 25 is inserted or retained as shown in FIGURE 14. Under this condition, one coin in the slot 36 or two coins inthe slot 35 will effect operation of the device.

When the insert 26 is used, one coin in either of the slots 35 or 36 will effect operation of the device. Since this would appear to be inequitable, it is contemplated that the passage by which coins may be inserted into the slot 36 be either blockedor be directed to the coin-return mechanism (not shown).

Although the disclosed preferred embodiment is constructed to operate with one S-cent piece and one smallersized higher-valued lO-cent piece, it is to be understood that such sizes and coins are representative, and that the number of coin positions and values and sizes of coins received in the slots 35, 36 may be altered to suit commercial requirements then existing.

Although various minor modifications might be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such. embodiments as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

I claim as my invention:

1. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a rotatably mounted coin acceptor adapted to be connected to and rotated by the device to be controlled, said acceptor having means defining a pair of peripheral slots, one of said slots being receptive of at least one coin of one size, and the other of said slots being receptive of a plurality of coins of another size, said acceptor also having a lock-notch; and

(b) a pivota-lly supported lock pawl having a follower portion engageable with the periphery of said acceptor and receivable in said lock-notch in the simultaneous absence from said one slot of said one coin, and from said other slot of one of said plurality of coins to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, and said follower portion being engageable both with said one coin in said one slot and alternatively with one of said plurality of coins in said other slot to be cammed thereby clear of said lock-notch to enable continued rotation of said acceptor.

2. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a rotatably mounted coin acceptor adapted to be connected to and rotated by the device to be controlled, said acceptor having means defining a pair of peripheral slots, one of said slots being receptive of at least one coin of one size, and the other of said slots being receptive of a coin of another size, said acceptor also having a .pair of lock-notches; and

(b) a pair of pivotally supported lock-pawls each having a follower portion engageable with the periphery of said acceptor, the follower portion of one of said QO'Ck-sP'HWlS providing the pivotal support for the other of said lock-pawls, at least one of said pawls being receivable respectively into one of said lock-notches 7 in the absence of the requisite number of coins in said slots to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, and both of said follower portions being respectively simultaneously engageable with a plurality of the requisite number of coins in said acceptor to be cammed thereby clear of said pair of lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor.

3. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches; and

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame, and a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl at a point remote from its pivotal support, said lock-pawls being individually receivable into said lock-notches to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, and said pawls being individually cammed by a plurality of coins in said acceptor to clear said pair of lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor.

4. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame, and a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl at a point remote from its pivotal support, said lock-pawls being normally individually receivable into said lock-notches to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, one of said lock-pawls being engageable with a coin in said acceptor to be cammed thereby clear of one of said lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor; and

(d) a removable coin-simulating insert fixedly secured to said acceptor and engageable by the other of said lock-pawls to cam said other lock-pawl clear of the other of said lock-notches, so as to permit said continued rotation of said acceptor.

5. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame, and a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl at a point remote from its pivotal support, said lock-pawls being individually receivable into said lock-notches to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, and said pawls being individually cammed by a plurality of coins in said acceptor to clear said pair of lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor; and

(d) a spring acting between said lock-pawls and pivotally biasing said second lock-pawl against said acceptor.

. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of angularly spaced lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame and having a first fol-lower portion receivable into one of said lock-notches on said acceptor; and

(d) a second lock pawl pivotally supported on said first follower portion, and having a second follower portion receivable into the other of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said lock-pawls being deflectable clear of said lock-notches by a plurality of coins to enable pivoting of said acceptor.

7. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame; a

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame and having a first follower portion receivable into one of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said first lock-pawl having a coin stop disposed adjacent to said acceptor for holding one of a plurality of coins therein; and

(d) a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl, and having a second follower portion receivable into the other of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said lock-pawls being deflectable clear of said lock-notches by a plurality of coins to enable pivoting of said acceptor.

8. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame and having a first follower portion receivable into one of said lock-notches on said acceptor; and

(d) a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl, and having a second follower portion receivable into the other of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said lock-pawls being deflectable clear of said lock-notches by a plurality of coins to enable pivoting of said acceptor, said second lock-pawl having a coin deflector extending beneath said acceptor for directing the coins as they drop therefrom 9. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a)a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame, and a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl at a point remote from its pivotal support, said loclr-pawls being individually receivable into said lock-notches to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, and said pawls being individually commed by a plurality of coins in said acceptor to clear said pair of lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor; and

(d) a cam secured to said acceptor and engageable With said second lock-pawl to deflect it away from said acceptor to thereby enable release of the coins therefrom.

10. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame and having a first follower portion receivable into one of said lock-notches on said acceptor;

(d) a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl, and having -a second follower portion receivable into the other of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said lock-pawls being deflectable clear of said lock-notches by a plurality of coins to en able pivoting of said acceptor; and

(e) a cam secured to said acceptor and engageable with said second lock-pawl, after said lock-notches have been rotated past said follower portions, to deflect said second lock-pawl away from said acceptor to thereby enable release of the coins therefrom.

11. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of angularly spaced lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame and having -a first follower portion receivable into one of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said first lock-pawl having a coin stop disposed adjacent to said acceptor for holding one of a plurality of coins therein;

(d) a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first follower portion, and having a second follower portion receivable into the other of said lock-notches on said acceptor, said lock-pawls being defiectable clear of said lock-notches by a plurality of coins to enable pivoting of said acceptor, said second lock-pawl having a coin deflector extending beneath said acceptor for directing the coins as they drop therefrom;

(e) a spring acting between said lock-pawls and pivotally biasing said second lock-pawl against said acceptor;

(f) a cam secured to said acceptor and engageable with said second lock-pawl, after said lock-notches have been rotated past said follower portions, to deflect said second lock-pawl away from said acceptor to thereby enable release of the coins therefrom.

12. A coin-operated release mechanism, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a coin acceptor rotatably mounted on said frame and adapted to be connected to a device to be controlled, said acceptor having a pair of lock-notches;

(c) a first lock-pawl pivotally supported on said frame, and a second lock-pawl pivotally supported on said first lock-pawl at a point remote from its pivotal support, said lock-pawls being normally individually receivable into said lock-notches to arrest initial rotation of said acceptor, one of said lock-pawls being engageable with a coin in said acceptor to be cammed thereby clear of one of said lock-notches to enable continued rotation of said acceptor;

(cl) a removable coin-simulating insert fixedly secured to said acceptor and engageable by the other of said lock-pawls to cam said other lock-pawl clear of the other of said lock-notches, so as to permit said continued rotation of said acceptor;

(e) a cam secured to said acceptor and engageable with said second lock-pawl, after said insert has cammed said second lock-pawl clear of said other lock-notch, to further cam said second lock-pawl away from said acceptor to thereby enable release of the coins therefrom.

References (Jited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,146,018 7/15 Patterson 194-65 1,602,686 10/26 Leet 194-55 2,666,514 1/54 Stewart 194-61 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner. 

3. A COIN-OPERATED RELEASE MECHANISM, COMPRISING: (A) A FRAME; (B) A COIN ACCEPTOR ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME AND ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A DEVICE TO BE CONTROLLED, SAID ACCEPTOR HAVING A PAIR OF LOCK-NOTCHES; AND (C) A FIRST LOCK-PAWL PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED ON SAID FRAME, AND A SECOND LOCK-PAWL PIVOTALLY SUPPORTED ON SAID FIRST LOCK-PAWL AT A POINT REMOTE FROM ITS PIVOTAL SUPPORT, SAID LOCK-PAWLS BEING INDIVIDUALLY RECEIVABLE INTO SAID LOCK-NOTCHES TO ARREST INITIAL ROTATION OF SAID ACCEPTOR, AND SAID PAWLS BEING INDIVIDUALLY CAMMED BY A PLURALITY OF COINS IN SAID ACCEPTOR TO CLEAR SAID 